Biocidal Activities of Glutaraldehyde and Related Compounds

Abstract

Summary. Glutaraldehyde in 2% aqueous alkaline solution is rapidly bactericidal and sporicidal, killing 99.99% of the spores of Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium tetani in 15 and 30 min, respectively. It exhibits some degree of tuberculocidal activity, but it appears to be inferior to several other disinfectants when challenged with a large inoculum. Fungicidal action has been demonstrated but not assessed quantitatively. Evidence is presented to show that biocidal activity depends on the availability of two free aldehyde groups in the molecule.

Antimicrobial Effect of trans-Cinnamaldehyde, (-)-Perillaldehyde, (-)-Citronellal, Citral, Eugenol and Carvacrol on Airborne Microbes Using an Airwasher

“…Generally glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, and phenol derivatives such as cresol are used as disinfectants because of their high disinfection capacity. [18][19][20] However, glutaraldehyde shows a high toxicity and its vapour irritates eyes, nose and throat. 21,22) Formaldehyde also stimulates mucosa and furthermore it is a carcinogen.…”

Bacterial spores and chemical sporicidal agents

“…The rate of bactericidal and sporicidal activity for aqueous acid solution is considerably lower than that for activated alkaline solution (26,27,84,120,137,212). As temperature is increased, however, this difference between alkaline and acid solutions is reduced (84,192,213 (194) (29) and B. pumilus (170) appear to be the most resistant. With B. subtilis spores in liquid suspension, a 3-h contact period with 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde produces ca.…”

“…According to some workers (170), various alcohols (methanol, ethanol, and propan-2-ol) reduce the sporicidal activity of formaldehyde. The sporicidal activity of formaldehyde is influenced markedly by temperature, with extensive spore inactivation at temperatures of 40°C and above (219).…”

Avaliação do risco de contaminação por bactérias, no paciente submetido à broncoscopia, após o reprocessamento do broncoscópio

“…Rubbo et al (52) relataram que 99,99% de esporos de Bacillus anthracis e Clostridium tetani foram eliminados com o tempo de 15 e 30 minutos, respectivamente. Muitos fabricantes, no entanto, têm recomendado de 10 a 12 horas para a esterilização com o glutaraldeído, no caso de haver fatores adversos, como esporos resistentes ou rediluição da solução germicida ou, ainda, inativação desta por maté-ria orgânica (53) .…”